How Much Does Garden Decking Cost in 2026?
The average garden decking cost is £1,500 to £4,500 for a new deck. The decking cost per m2 starts from £70 for softwood installed, while composite decking cost per m2 runs £90–£160. The labour cost to lay decking is typically £200–£300 per day. The total depends on size, material, and whether the deck is at ground level or raised.
£3,200
Average cost
£70–£110
Softwood per m²
£90–£160
Composite per m²
1–3 days
Installation time
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
Decking Cost per m2 by Material
The cost per square metre varies significantly by material. All prices include the sub-frame, boards, fixings, and installation labour.
| Material | Supply/m² | Installed/m² |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood (pressure-treated pine) | £20 – £35 | £70 – £110 |
| Hardwood (oak, iroko, ipe) | £50 – £100 | £130 – £200 |
| Composite (budget) | £40 – £55 | £90 – £130 |
| Composite (premium) | £70 – £100 | £130 – £180 |
Total Cost by Deck Size
| Deck Size | Softwood | Hardwood | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10m²) | £700 – £1,100 | £1,300 – £2,000 | £900 – £1,800 |
| Medium (20m²) | £1,400 – £2,200 | £2,600 – £4,000 | £1,800 – £3,600 |
| Large (40m²) | £2,800 – £4,400 | £5,200 – £8,000 | £3,600 – £7,200 |
Labour Cost to Lay Decking
| Trade | Cost |
|---|---|
| Carpenter / deck installer | £200 – £300 |
| Labourer | £120 – £180 |
| Groundworker (if levelling needed) | £180 – £250 |
Most decking installers quote a fixed price per m² that includes both labour and sub-frame materials.
Raised Decking vs Ground Level
Ground-level decking sits on a simple joist frame directly on the ground or on adjustable pedestals. Raised decking requires structural posts, beams, and a more substantial framework - and it costs significantly more.
Ground level
Sits within 30cm of the ground. Simpler to build, cheaper, and usually does not need planning permission or a balustrade.
£70 – £160 per m²
Raised (over 30cm)
Needs structural posts and beams. A balustrade is required for safety. May need planning permission. Costs 30–60% more.
£120 – £300 per m²
Planning permission: Decking over 30cm above ground level may require planning permission under permitted development rules. Decking at any height in a conservation area or on a listed building typically needs permission. Check with your local council before work starts.
What Affects the Cost of Decking?
Material choice
This is the single biggest cost variable. Pressure-treated softwood is cheapest but needs annual maintenance. Composite costs more upfront but needs almost no maintenance over its 25+ year lifespan. Hardwood is premium in both price and appearance. For most people, mid-range composite offers the best value over time.
Deck size and shape
Larger decks cost more in total but less per square metre - the sub-frame and setup costs are spread over a bigger area. Complex shapes with angles, curves, or multiple levels add cutting time and waste. A simple rectangle is always the most cost-effective shape.
Ground conditions and height
Level ground with good drainage is cheapest. Sloped gardens need more groundwork, and raised decking requires structural posts and a balustrade. If the ground is waterlogged, drainage work is needed before the deck goes in, adding £500–£1,500.
Balustrades and railings
Timber balustrades cost £60–£100 per linear metre. Glass panels cost £150–£300 per linear metre. Metal railings sit in between. A balustrade is legally required for any deck over 600mm above ground level. Even on lower decks, a balustrade adds a finished look and can double as seating.
Your location
Labour rates are 25–35% higher in London and the South East than in the North. Materials cost roughly the same everywhere. A 20m² composite deck that costs £3,200 in Yorkshire might cost £4,200 in London - the difference is almost entirely labour.
Additional Costs to Budget For
These extras are not always included in a basic decking quote. Ask about each one when comparing prices.
| Extra Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Balustrade / railing (timber) | £60 – £100 per linear metre |
| Balustrade / railing (glass) | £150 – £300 per linear metre |
| Steps (timber) | £150 – £400 per flight |
| Weed membrane | £1 – £3 per m² |
| Concrete pads / foundations | £100 – £400 |
| LED deck lights | £150 – £500 |
| Annual treatment (softwood only) | £50 – £150 |
| Old decking removal | £200 – £500 |
Garden Decking Cost by Region
Average prices for a 20m² mid-range composite deck, fully installed, by UK region.
| Region | Average Cost | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| London | £4,200 | +30% |
| South East | £3,700 | +15% |
| South West | £3,400 | +6% |
| East of England | £3,500 | +9% |
| Midlands | £3,200 | Average |
| Yorkshire | £2,900 | -9% |
| North West | £3,000 | -6% |
| North East | £2,700 | -16% |
| Scotland | £2,900 | -9% |
| Wales | £2,800 | -13% |
Based on industry data. Prices for a 20m² mid-range composite deck, fully installed.
How to Get Your Decking for Less
Decking is one of the simpler outdoor projects, which means there are genuine ways to reduce the cost without cutting corners.
Get three quotes and check what is included
Decking quotes vary a lot in what they cover. Some include the sub-frame, others quote boards only. Make sure each quote includes ground prep, sub-frame, boards, fixings, and any edging or fascia. Without a matching scope, you cannot compare prices properly.
Consider mid-range composite over premium timber
A mid-range composite deck costs roughly the same as hardwood to install but needs no annual maintenance. Over 15 years, you save hundreds on oil, stain, and anti-slip treatment. Premium composite brands like Millboard are excellent but not always necessary - mid-range options from Cladco or Eva-Last perform well at a lower price point.
Keep it at ground level if you can
Raised decking costs 30–60% more than ground-level because of the structural framework needed. If your garden is fairly level, ground-level decking on adjustable pedestals or a simple joist frame is much cheaper. It also avoids the need for a balustrade, which adds £60–£120 per linear metre.
Buy boards direct and pay fitting only
Decking boards from a trade timber merchant or online supplier are 15–30% cheaper than through a contractor. Composite boards in particular have big price differences between suppliers. Buy the boards yourself and pay the installer for labour and sub-frame materials only. Just confirm this with the installer before ordering.
Go for a simple rectangular shape
Angled corners, curves, and multi-level designs look great but add significant cutting time and waste. A simple rectangle makes the best use of standard board lengths and is fastest to install. If you want a more interesting shape, discuss it with the installer first - some designs double the cutting time.
Book for autumn or winter
Decking is an outdoor job and most people want it done in spring or summer. If you book for October–February, installers are less busy and more likely to offer a competitive price. The work can still be done in dry winter weather - the boards do not care what month it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does decking cost in the UK?
Decking costs between £70 and £200 per square metre fully installed, depending on the material. A 15m² softwood deck costs around £1,200–£2,000. A 20m² composite deck runs £2,500–£4,500. Hardwood decking is the most expensive at £130–£200+ per m². These prices include materials, sub-frame, and installation labour.
How much does composite decking cost per m²?
Composite decking costs £90–£160 per m² fully installed. The boards themselves cost £40–£80 per m² depending on brand and quality. Budget composite runs £40–£50/m², mid-range £50–£70/m², and premium brands like Millboard or Trex cost £70–£100+/m². Installation labour adds £40–£60 per m² on top.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
For most homeowners, yes. Composite decking costs more upfront than softwood but lasts 25–30 years compared to 10–15 years for treated softwood. It does not need annual oiling, staining, or treatment. It will not splinter, rot, or warp. Over a 20-year period, composite usually works out cheaper because of the maintenance you avoid. The main downside is that it can feel less natural underfoot and retains more heat in direct sun.
How long does it take to install decking?
A small deck (10–15m²) takes 1–2 days to install. A medium deck (20–30m²) takes 2–3 days. A large or raised deck (30m²+) takes 3–5 days or more. These timescales assume the ground is reasonably level and accessible. Raised decking takes longer because of the structural framework needed.
Does decking need planning permission?
Most garden decking falls under permitted development and does not need planning permission, provided it is no higher than 30cm above ground level, covers no more than 50% of the garden, and is not in front of the house. Raised decking (over 30cm) or decking in a conservation area may require planning permission. If in doubt, check with your local council before work starts.
What is the cheapest type of decking?
Pressure-treated softwood (usually Scandinavian pine) is the cheapest option at £20–£35 per m² for materials, or £70–£110 per m² fully installed. It is perfectly serviceable but needs annual treatment to prevent rot, greying, and algae. Budget composite is slightly more expensive upfront but needs no maintenance.
How much does raised decking cost?
Raised decking costs 30–60% more than ground-level decking because of the structural framework (posts, beams, and joists) needed to support it. Expect to pay £120–£250 per m² for raised softwood decking and £160–£300+ per m² for raised composite. A balustrade is essential for safety on raised decking and adds £60–£120 per linear metre.
How long does decking last?
Treated softwood decking lasts 10–15 years with regular maintenance (annual oiling or staining, anti-slip treatment, replacing damaged boards). Hardwood decking lasts 20–30 years. Composite decking lasts 25–30+ years with minimal maintenance - most manufacturers offer 20–25 year warranties. The sub-frame often needs attention before the boards do, regardless of material.
Written by Sarah Mitchell, Less.co.uk home improvement specialist
Last updated: · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology
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